Lear Corporation Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160049761 | MANUAL SERVICE DISCONNECT WITH SCREW COVER - A manual disconnect includes a housing and a base attached to the housing by a fastener. The base includes primary terminals. The manual disconnect also includes a plug assembly that includes fuse terminals and a bolt cover. The plug assembly is movable relative to the base between a disconnected position wherein the fuse terminals are not engaged with respective primary terminals, and a primary circuit engaged position wherein the fuse terminals are engaged with respective primary terminals. When the plug assembly is in the primary circuit engaged position the bolt cover is positioned to prevent the fastener from being removed from the housing. | 02-18-2016 |
20160028195 | FUSE TERMINAL FOR USE WITH AN ELECTRICAL FUSE ASSEMBLY - A fuse terminal includes a central body portion. A first arm extends from the central body portion and defines an arm space that is located on a fuse side of the central body portion. A connector portion also extends from the central body portion and includes a leg that extends on the fuse side of the central body portion. | 01-28-2016 |
20160028169 | Electric Terminal Assembly - An electric terminal assembly includes a conductor. The conductor has a conductor body and a plurality of contact arms that extend from the conductor body in an outward direction to respective arm ends. The contact arms are located around a terminal axis. The electric terminal assembly also includes a cap fixed relative to the conductor. The cap is located farther from the conductor body in the outward direction than the arm ends. The cap defines a cap opening that the terminal axis extends through. The cap is located farther from the conductor body in the outward direction than the arm ends, and the cap is closer to the terminal axis than the arm ends. | 01-28-2016 |
20150334874 | Coldplate with Integrated Electrical Components for Cooling Thereof - A coldplate for use in cooling electrical components may include first and second coldplate members, each having a pocket and a secondary portion. The pocket of each member is configured to receive an electrical component and sized to substantially surround the component when received in the pocket to provide physical integration of the component in the coldplate member. The first and second coldplate members are adapted to be joined together to form a manifold therebetween for receiving a fluid for use in cooling the electrical components. The secondary portion of each coldplate member is arranged substantially opposite the pocket of the other coldplate member when the coldplate members are joined together. | 11-19-2015 |
20150333466 | Electric Connector With A Terminal Interface - A method of assembling an electrical connector includes inserting an electric terminal with an attached wire to an initially inserted position in a wire opening defined by a connector body. The electric terminal is moved through the wire opening in an insertion direction relative to the connector body. The electric terminal is attached to the connector body in a seated position, wherein the wire is coaxial with the wire opening. | 11-19-2015 |
20150291061 | Seat Track Memory with Sled Lock - A track set includes a memory assembly that is operable to an engaged state to set a user-selected position. When the memory assembly is in an engaged state and in the user-selected position, the memory assembly resists movement of a first rail relative to a second rail in an aft direction. When the memory assembly is in the engaged state and in the user-selected position and the second rail moves in a fore direction relative to the first rail, the memory assembly is displaced in the aft direction relative to the second rail to a first position. | 10-15-2015 |
20150280381 | Electric Connector With Contact Protection - An electric connector includes a connector body and a conductor base attached to the connector body. A plurality of contact arms extend from the conductor base away from the connector body and are located around a central space. The electric connector also includes a pin attached to the connector body and located in the central space. | 10-01-2015 |
20150280354 | Seal For An Electric Terminal - A sealed terminal housing includes a header that defines a terminal opening. An electric terminal extends through the terminal opening The electric terminal includes a terminal stop. A terminal seal is located in the terminal opening and is compress against the header and the electric terminal. A seal cap is also located in the terminal opening and engages the header and the terminal stop. | 10-01-2015 |
20150255924 | Electrical Terminal - An electrical terminal assembly includes a connector body having a passageway formed therein and an electrical terminal. The electrical terminal includes a contact portion having a contact arm and a spring arrangement having a spring arm engaged with the contact arm. The electrical terminal assembly further includes a one way installation feature preventing the electrical terminal from being inserted into the passageway in an incorrect orientation. | 09-10-2015 |
20150255912 | Electrical Connector Assembly - A plug assembly for connection with a socket assembly having an electrical pin. The plug assembly includes a housing defining a cavity. The housing includes an aperture formed therein for receiving the pin. An electrical terminal is housed in the cavity of the housing. The terminal is adapted to engage with the pin. A seal is supported in the housing and is adapted to sealingly engage with the pin for sealing the cavity from an outside environment. | 09-10-2015 |
20150255774 | Modular Battery Connector Assembly - A battery cell stack connector assembly includes a plurality of busbar modules. Each of the busbar modules has a module frame with a first side with a first connector and a second side with a second connector. Each module frame defines a module axis that extends from the first side to the second side. Each of the busbar modules also includes a busbar attached to the module frame. The plurality of busbar modules are connected to form a connector frame that defines a connector axis that extends from a first assembly side to a second assembly side. The module axes of the plurality of busbar modules are aligned with the connector axis. Also, the first connectors and second connectors are adapted so that each of the plurality of module frames is mated with and attached to respective adjacent module frames. | 09-10-2015 |
20150249307 | Electrical Connector Assembly - A connector assembly includes an inlet assembly and a plug assembly. The inlet assembly has a first electrical contact member. A plug assembly has a second electrical contact member. The plug assembly is movable to an inserted engaged position with the inlet assembly such that the first and second electrical contact members engage one another, and a retracted position such the plug assembly is retracted from the inlet assembly. The connector assembly includes an active locking device for retaining the plug assembly in the inlet assembly. A secondary locking device temporarily retains the plug assembly in the inlet assembly prior to activation of the active locking device. | 09-03-2015 |
20150239368 | Seat Track Assembly Having Selectable End Stop Positions - A seat track assembly includes a moveable rail configured to support a seat and a stationary rail configured to be mounted to a floor structure. The moveable rail is selectively positioned relative to the stationary rail is a plurality of use positions. The moveable and stationary rails include intermediate stop tabs that permit selective adjustment of the overall travel length of the moveable rail relative to the stationary rail. | 08-27-2015 |
20150237771 | Electromagnetic Shield Termination Device - An electromagnetic shield termination assembly includes a wire assembly having an electrically conductive wire. An electromagnetic shield extends coaxially with the electrically conductive wire and covers at least a portion of a circumference of the electrically conductive wire, the electromagnetic shield and the electrically conductive wire covered thereby defining a shielded portion of the wire assembly. A non-shielded portion of the wire assembly extends outward of a terminal end of the electromagnetic shield. A termination device has an electrically conductive housing mounted to the wire assembly about the terminal end of the electromagnetic shield such that a portion of the housing engages a portion of the electromagnetic shield, and wherein the housing provides a flow path for an electrical current flowing in the electromagnetic shield. | 08-20-2015 |
20150235733 | SEMI-COMPLIANT TERMINALS - The present disclosure includes an electrical terminal that may include a first portion, a second portion, and/or a middle portion. A middle portion may be disposed between first and second portions and/or a middle portion may include a first middle section, a second middle section, a recessed portion disposed between the first middle section and the second middle section, and/or an aperture. The electrical terminal may include a transition portion that may be disposed between a middle portion and a second portion. | 08-20-2015 |
20150232009 | Member Mounting Bracket - A mounting bracket for supporting a member on a frame assembly of a seat includes a base with a mounting feature provided on a first side and a plurality of attachment features provided on a second side. The mounting features are adapted to engage a frame assembly of a seat, and the attachment features are adapted to engage a member. | 08-20-2015 |
20150216010 | Method for Controlling Light-Emitting Diodes - The brightness generated by LEDs in an LED strip is adjusted by pulse-width modulation, wherein the LEDs connected in series are driven temporally offset to one another. If there is a shift in the on-time of at least one LED, a controller inserts at least one additional drive pulse to switch on the LEDs if the interval of the on-times of an LED in the time frame before the shift and in the drive frame after the shift is so large that the interval arising therefrom exceeds a first threshold. Alternatively, the controller reduces at least one drive pulse for switching on the LEDs to curtail the on-time of the LEDs if the interval of the on-times of an LED in the time frame before the shift and in the time frame after the shift is so small that the interval arising therefrom drops below a second threshold. | 07-30-2015 |
20150135530 | Method of Forming An Interface For An Electrical Terminal - A method of forming an electrical terminal includes the steps of: transferring a portion of electrically conductive material to a selected location on a surface of electrically conductive material stock; bonding the portion of electrically conductive material to the surface of the electrically conductive material stock; forming the portion of electrically conductive material to the surface of the electrically conductive material stock to define a conductive interface; and forming the electrical terminal from the electrically conductive material stock. | 05-21-2015 |
20150085543 | Inverter with Dual-Range Load Sensing - An inverter assembly includes an inverter and a load sensor. The inverter is configured to provide electrical power to a load. The load sensor has a first amplifier for sensing current of the load when the load is a low power load connected to the inverter and a second amplifier for sensing the load current when the load is a high power load connected to the inverter. Vehicle functionality such as start/stop functionality may be disabled while the load sensor senses that the load is connected to the inverter whereas the start/stop functionality may be disabled while the load sensor senses that the load is not connected to the inverter. | 03-26-2015 |
20150079859 | Electrical Terminal Assembly - An electrical terminal assembly has a base and a spring member. The base defines an axis and including a plurality of base beams deflectable in a radial direction relative to the axis. The spring member has a main portion disposed over the base. The spring member includes a plurality of spring beams extending from a front end of the main portion. The spring beams bias the base beams radially inwardly towards the axis. The main portion is made from a folded blank having a first edge that is permanently secured to a second edge such that the edges cannot be pulled apart from one another. | 03-19-2015 |
20150079837 | Electric Connector with Wire Retainer Tube - An electrical connector has a connector body and a terminal mounted to the connector body. A wire is connected to the terminal, and a retainer tube is mounted to the connector body and engaged with the wire. | 03-19-2015 |
20150074996 | Method of Assembling An Electrical Terminal Assembly - A method of assembling an electrical terminal having a base and a spring member. The base is provided with a plurality of base beams. The spring member is provided with a plurality of spring beams. The spring member defines an axis such that the plurality of spring beams is spaced radially apart from the axis. The spring beams deflected radially outwardly. The base is inserted in the spring member to position the base beams adjacent to the spring beams. The spring beams are released such that the spring beams retract radially inwardly against the base beams. | 03-19-2015 |
20150061343 | FIXED THIGH EXTENDER TRIM CLOSEOUT - A vehicle seat includes a seat back, a seat bottom, and a thigh extender assembly. The thigh extender assembly includes an extension bracket assembly attached to the seat bottom, a thigh support attached to an end of the extension bracket such that the thigh support is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position, and a trim cover assembly disposed over the extension bracket assembly. The extension bracket assembly includes a seat bracket and an extension bracket with the extension bracket being moveable relative to the seat bracket such that when the thigh support moves between the retracted position and the extended position the extension bracket is concealed. The trim cover assembly is held fixed with respect to the seat bracket with the thigh support moving relative to the trim cover assembly. | 03-05-2015 |
20150054461 | Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Assembly Convertible Between a Cord Set and a Charge Station - An EVSE assembly convertible between a charge cord and a charge station includes a charge unit having a connector of a first type, a charge station sub-assembly having a connector of a second type, and a cord set sub-assembly having a connector of the second type. The connector of the charge station sub-assembly is hard-wired to an (240V) electrical circuit. The charge unit electrically connects to the charge station sub-assembly while the connectors of the charge unit and the charge station sub-assembly are connected to one another to thereby form a (240V) charge station. The cord set sub-assembly further includes a power plug connectable to (one of a 120V and 240V) electrical outlet. The charge unit electrically connects to the cord set sub-assembly while the connectors of the charge unit and the cord set sub-assembly are connected to one another to thereby form a (120V or 240V) cord set. | 02-26-2015 |
20150038024 | Electrical Terminal Assembly - An electrical terminal assembly includes a base having a body including a first end and a second end. First and second opposed base beams extend from the first end of the body in a first direction. A spring clamp has a clamp base and first and second opposed spring beams extending from the clamp base in the first direction and disposed over the first and second base beams biasing the first and second base beams toward one another. The body of the base is configured to permit the spring clamp to be inserted onto the base in a second direction normal the first direction. | 02-05-2015 |
20150038000 | ELECTRICAL TERMINAL ASSEMBLY - An electrical assembly includes a base having a body including a first end and a second end. First and second opposed base beams extend from the first end of the body in a first direction. The assembly further includes a spring clamp having a clamp base and first and second opposed spring beams extending from the clamp base in the first direction and disposed over the first and second base beams biasing the first and second base beams towards one another. The spring clamp is assembled onto the base by moving the spring clamp along the first direction onto the base. A locking feature is integrally formed in the base and the spring clamp preventing the removal of the spring clamp from the base along a second direction opposite the first direction. The locking feature also prevents movement of the spring clamp relative to the base in a lateral direction normal to the first direction. | 02-05-2015 |
20150036396 | Converter with Transformer Flux Walk Protection Controller - An assembly includes a converter and a controller. The converter has a winding around a transformer core, first and second switches configured to alternately connect respective winding segments to an input power, and first and second resistors respectively connected in series with the switches. The controller is configured to compare voltages corresponding to currents through the resistors and terminate operation of the converter when a difference between the voltages exceeds a threshold indicative of transformer core flux walking. | 02-05-2015 |
20150036292 | Electrical Device for Use in an Automotive Vehicle and Method for Cooling Same - An electrical device is described for use in an automotive vehicle. The device includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having first and second sides. The PCB is adapted for multiple electronic components to be mounted to the first side, including a first component at a first position and a second component at a second position. The second component is capable of substantially blocking airflow directed substantially across the first side from at least one direction toward the first component. The PCB defines a plurality of apertures formed in a region of the PCB including the first position such that airflow directed substantially across the second side of the PCB flows through the apertures, under the first component at the first position on the first side of the PCB, and on a portion of the first side of the PCB beyond the region of the PCB including the first position. | 02-05-2015 |
20150015049 | ADJUSTABLE HEAD RESTRAINT ASSEMBLY - A head restraint assembly is provided with at least one guide post fixedly mounted to a vehicle seat back so that the guide post does not translate relative to the seat back in an upright direction. A head restraint housing is mounted to translate in the upright direction along the guide post. A linear spindle extends in the upright direction and is mounted within the head restraint housing. A translation assembly is mounted to the linear spindle. A motor is connected to the translation assembly. Actuation of the motor moves the translation assembly and motor in relation to the linear spindle. At least one of the motor or linear spindle is fixed to the head restraint housing such that actuation of the motor translates the head restraint housing relative to the guide post. | 01-15-2015 |
20140333109 | HEADREST FASTENING SYSTEM - A headrest for use with a vehicle seat that includes a first and second headrest components; and a fastening system for fastening the headrest components together, the fastening system including a male member and female member, the male member including a body defining a release channel configured to accommodate a tool and a flexible protrusion positioned on a periphery of the body, the female member defining a receiving recess configured to receive the flexible protrusion in order to fasten the headrest components together, wherein the first headrest component can be detached from the second headrest component by detaching the male member from the female member. | 11-13-2014 |
20140327444 | Battery Monitoring Assembly Having Battery Monitor Module and Cable for Connection to a Shunt of the Module - A vehicle battery monitoring assembly includes a terminal connectable to a battery post, a shunt formed of a first metallic material, and a cable formed of a different second metallic material. The shunt is connected at one end to the terminal. The assembly further includes a sheet formed of the second metallic material. The sheet is attached on a portion of another end of the shunt. The cable is connected at one end to the sheet. | 11-06-2014 |
20140327285 | Seat Assembly Having a Foldable Seat Back - A seat assembly having a foldable seat back. The seat assembly may have an upper bracket that may be connected to a recliner mechanism that may be configured to rotate about a first axis. A rivet may be disposed on the upper bracket and may rotate about a second axis. | 11-06-2014 |
20140322934 | POWER DISTRIBUTION BOX AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING SAME - A power distribution box and a method for producing a PDB include molding a lower cover with an integrated protector plate such that a unitary structure is formed. A busbar is inserted into a bottom side of a frame, and a lower cover is attached to the frame from the bottom side, thereby capturing the busbar between the frame and the lower cover. Integrating the protector plate into the lower cover eliminates a molding process, an assembly process, and adds structural integrity to the lower cover without the addition of extra structural support members, thereby reducing material use and the weight of the assembled device. | 10-30-2014 |
20140313009 | Remote Control Systems for Vehicles - A system includes a base station, a communications device, and a fob. The base station is configured to control a vehicle function in response to receiving a command via a first wireless link. One of the communications device and the fob is configured to transmit a request via a second wireless link different than the first wireless link. The other one of the communications device and the fob is configured to transmit the command to the base station via the first wireless link in response to receiving the request via the second wireless link. | 10-23-2014 |
20140308971 | Vehicle System for Detecting a Three-Dimensional Location of a Wireless Device - A vehicle system is provided with a portable device that is configured to provide a wireless signal. The vehicle system includes at least three base stations for being positioned about a vehicle within a first plane and a fourth base station for being positioned within the vehicle and vertically offset from the first plane to define a second plane with two of the at least three base stations. Each base station is configured to receive the wireless signal and to generate a message indicative of a time of flight of the wireless signal. The fourth base station is further configured to determine a three-dimensional location of the portable device based on the message generated by each base station. | 10-16-2014 |
20140291473 | SEAT TRACK END CAP AND TRAVEL STOP SEAT POSITION SENSOR - An end cap for a seat track assembled between a vehicle seat and a floor of a vehicle. The seat track includes an upper track attached to the vehicle seat and a lower track attached to the floor that receives the upper track in a sliding relationship. A seat position sensor attached to the upper track senses the position of the lower seat track. The end cap has a plurality of longitudinally extending walls that are assembled over the lower track. One of the longitudinally extending walls is attached to a recessed portion of the lower track with an external surface that is contiguous with the outer surface of one wall of the lower track. | 10-02-2014 |
20140277952 | System and Method for Controlling Vehicle Seat Movement - A system and method are disclosed for controlling movement of a seat in a vehicle. A sensor assembly includes a sensor configured to sense a presence of an object and to generate an output signal representing a proximity of the object to the sensor. A control unit is configured to receive the sensor output signal and to generate a control signal for use in controlling movement of the seat. | 09-18-2014 |
20140275304 | POLYURETHANE FOAM FORMING COMPOSITION INCLUDING TRIGLYCERIDES, POLYURETHANE FOAM MADE FROM THE COMPOSITION, AND METHOD OF MAKING POLYURETHANE FOAM - The present disclosure relates to a method of making polyurethane foam, the method comprising providing a polyol mixture comprising polyether polyol and unmodified vegetable oil having a hydroxyl number of less than 10; and reacting isocyanate with the polyol mixture to form a polyurethane foam, wherein the unmodified vegetable oil does not react and does not form part of the polyurethane foam. The present disclosure also relates to polyurethane formed by the method and polyurethane compositions. | 09-18-2014 |
20140273659 | Terminal With Front End Protection - An electric terminal includes a conductive portion with a base and a plurality of contact arms extending therefrom. The electric terminal includes a protective shroud that extends farther from the base than the contact arms do. | 09-18-2014 |
20140273645 | Replaceable Adapter For Use With Vehicular Battery Charging System - An energy transfer system includes an adapter having a power terminal port with a plurality of power terminals and an intermediate adapter terminal port with a plurality of intermediate adapter terminals. Each of the plurality of intermediate adapter terminals is in direct electrical communication with one of the plurality of adapter terminals. The energy transfer system also includes an intermediate complementary port that is configured to mate with the intermediate adapter terminal port to establish electrical communication between the plurality of intermediate adapter terminals and a plurality of complementary intermediate terminals. The adapter terminal port is configured not to mate with the intermediate terminal port and not to mate with the intermediate complementary terminal port. | 09-18-2014 |
20140265491 | THORACIC REGION COMFORT VEHICLE SEATING SYSTEM WITH PNEUMATIC ADJUSTMENT - A vehicle seat is provided, in at least one embodiment, comprising a seatback comprising a cushion having a first hardness, and a pneumatic thoracic support structure positioned adjacent the cushion. In at least one embodiment, the pneumatic thoracic support structure comprises a first bladder selectively inflatable to provide a first area having a second hardness higher than the first hardness, with the first area being disposed along a thoracic region of a user's spine when a user is seated in the seat to provide support to at least a portion of the thoracic region of the user's spine. | 09-18-2014 |
20140265477 | VEHICLE SEAT ADJUSTMENT ASSEMBLY - A vehicle seat adjustment assembly has an actuator adapted to move a component of the vehicle seat assembly, and a generally planar sensor array in communication with the controller and accessible from an outer surface of the vehicle seat assembly. The sensor array has a plurality of adjacent sensors accessible from an outer surface of the vehicle seat assembly. A controller is in communication with the actuator for controlling the actuator and in communication with the sensor array. The controller is configured to control the actuator to move the component in response to receiving a signal indicative of a touch input of the sensor array by a user such that the movement of the component correlates with the input to the sensor array. | 09-18-2014 |
20140265474 | SEAT RECLINER WITH BREAKAWAY CONNECTOR ROD - A recliner assembly for a vehicle seat, and the associated seat, is provided with seat back, a seat base, and a hinge that connects the seat back to the seat base, wherein the hinge includes a recliner assembly having a pair of recliner mechanisms that are disposed on opposite sides of the seat, and which may be shifted between the locked position and an unlocked position by manually pivoting a connector rod that operatively joins each of the recliner mechanisms. The connector rod is operably, but not directly, connected to at least one of the recliner mechanisms through engagement with a hub at a location on the inboard side of the recliner mechanism, which hub is, in turn, engaged with the recliner mechanism. The connector rod may also be indirectly connected to the other of the recliner mechanisms in a like manner. | 09-18-2014 |
20140253288 | Vehicle Remote Function System and Method for Determining Vehicle FOB Locations Using Adaptive Filtering - A vehicle remote function system is provided for determining locations of a fob relative to a vehicle. The system may include a controller configured for communication with antennas mounted at different locations in the vehicle, the controller for use in determining locations of the fob based on ultra-wide band wireless signals transmitted between the antennas and the fob. The controller is configured to use a first filtering of the wireless signals to determine an initial location of the fob, and a second filtering of the wireless signals to determine a subsequent location of the fob. A method is also provided which may include transmitting ultra-wide band wireless signals between the fob and antennas mounted in the vehicle, using a first filtering of the wireless signals to determine an initial location of the fob, and using a second filtering of the wireless signals to determine a subsequent location of the fob. | 09-11-2014 |
20140253287 | Vehicle Remote Function System and Method for Effectuating Vehicle Operations Based on Vehicle FOB Movement - A vehicle remote function system is provided for use in effectuating vehicle operations based on movement of a fob relative to a vehicle. The system may include a controller for determining locations of the fob within zones proximate the vehicle based on ultra-wide band wireless signals transmitted between the antennas and the fob, the zones including a primary zone and secondary zones, each secondary zone at least partially within the primary zone. The controller may be configured to detect a movement of the fob between secondary zones and generate a control signal for use in effectuating a vehicle operation based on the movement detected. A method is also provided which may include transmitting ultra-wide band wireless signals between the fob and the antennas, detecting a movement of the fob between secondary zones, and generating a control signal for use in effectuating a vehicle operation based on the movement detected. | 09-11-2014 |
20140248898 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING A LOCATION OF A WIRELESS DEVICE - A vehicle system and method is provided for detecting the location of a portable wireless device. The vehicle system includes the portable device and a plurality of base stations positioned about a vehicle. The portable device is configured to transmit a first wireless signal and a second wireless signal indicative of motion data of the portable device. A main base station of the plurality of base stations is configured to determine a first final position of the portable device in response to each of the plurality of base stations successfully receiving the first wireless signal. The main base station is further configured to determine a second final position of the portable device using the first final position and the motion data of the second wireless signal as received at the first base station and after determining that the second base station has not successfully received the second wireless signal. | 09-04-2014 |
20140247099 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING A RELAY FROM FREEZING - In at least one embodiment, an apparatus including a relay is provided. The relay includes a coil, a terminal, and a thermal conductive material. The coil generates heat in response to a current. The terminal includes a first contact positioned thereon. The coil and the terminal define a cavity there between. The thermal conductive material is positioned in the cavity and is in thermal communication with the coil and the first contact to transfer heat from the coil to the first contact. | 09-04-2014 |
20140239689 | VEHICLE SEAT MEMORY TRACK ASSEMBLY WITH MEMORY ADJUSTMENT COMPENSATION - The disclosed system employs vehicle seat track assembly including an easy entry system for a vehicle seat, further including a memory system having an adjustment increment compensator which allows for memory system which records displacement by an incremental distance, y, to be employed in a vehicle seat which employees a seat track that allows for fore-aft adjustment by a second incremental distance, x, thereby allowing seat designers and manufacturers to employ a single easy entry memory system on multiple vehicle seat track designs, each of which may have seat tracks which allow fore-aft adjustment at different increments, without modifying the easy entry memory system for each variation in fore-aft adjustment increment. The disclosed compensator also insures that the memory system will be activated even when there is a slight misalignment of the memory module components at the time of activation. | 08-28-2014 |
20140237777 | Plastic J-Hook Retainer With Rubber - A J-hook retainer includes a rigid structural component shaped with a hooked end. A soft rubber section is applied to or molded with the rigid structural component. The J-hook retainer holds a trim fabric in place over a vehicle component frame. Advantageously, the soft rubber section minimizes free play and rattling as well as assisting in avoiding sliding and detachment in case of partial contact between the J-hook retainer and vehicle component frame. | 08-28-2014 |
20140235114 | Cylindrical Electric Connector with Biased Contact - An electric connector includes a terminal body defining an interior space. An electric contact is located within the internal space. The electric contact includes a base contact ring that is biased into engagement with the terminal body and an outer ring that is biased into engagement with the terminal body. A contact arm extends from the base contact ring to the outer ring. | 08-21-2014 |
20140235113 | FEMALE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WITH TERMINAL ARM EXTENSION PROTECTION - A female electric connector includes a terminal body with a plurality of terminal arms. The terminal arms extend from the terminal body around a terminal axis. The female electric connector includes an over-deflection protection that limits deflection of the terminal arms in an inward direction generally toward the terminal axis. | 08-21-2014 |
20140210243 | ADJUSTABLE HEAD RESTRAINT ASSEMBLY - A head restraint assembly is provided with a first guide member mounted proximate to a vehicle seat back. A second guide member is mounted to the first guide member for translation along the first guide member. A locking mechanism is mounted to the second guide member in cooperation with the first guide member for locking the second guide member relative to the first guide member. The first and second guide members are connected by at least one spherical bushing. A torsion spring is connected to the first guide member and oriented about the second guide member for locking the second guide member relative to the first guide member. | 07-31-2014 |
20140210239 | SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A VEHICLE SEAT ASSEMBLY - A vehicle seat assembly has a vehicle seat with a seat base and a seat back. The vehicle seat has at least one actuator configured to move one of the seat back and seat base along a path between a first position and a second position. A sensor has a generally planar surface defining a sensing area. A controller is in communication with the actuator and the sensor. The controller is configured to, in response to receiving a sliding input on the sensing area, control the at least one actuator to move the one of the seat back and seat base along the path. | 07-31-2014 |
20140206243 | ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTING TERMINAL - An electrically conducting terminal having capabilities to facilitate electrically connecting to one or more connectors is disclosed. The electrically conducting terminal may include a recessed end to receive a connector. The recessed end may include a resilient element, such as but not limited to a female contact, to facilitate electrical conductivity between the connector and the terminal. The electrically conducting terminal may include an end cap, end piece, or other feature to facilitate retaining the resilient element within the recessed end. | 07-24-2014 |
20140203616 | ADJUSTABLE HEAD RESTRAINT ASSEMBLY - A head restraint assembly is provided with a first guide member mounted proximate to a vehicle seat back. A second guide member is mounted to the first guide member for translation along the first guide member. A locking mechanism is mounted to the second guide member in cooperation with the first guide member for locking the second guide member relative to the first guide member. The first and second guide members are the only guide members to minimize binding. The locking mechanism includes a torsion spring connected to the first guide member and oriented about the second guide member for locking the second guide member relative to the first guide member. A lever is mounted to the torsion spring for unlocking the torsion spring. | 07-24-2014 |
20140198475 | ELECTRICAL BUSBAR, ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY AND POWER CONVERTER - An electrical connector assembly is provided with an electrical busbar for conducting power. The busbar has a width, a length, and a thickness. The busbar has a first portion with a first length, and a second portion with a second length. The second portion is oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the first portion. A connector is mounted to the busbar. One of the width and the thickness is reduced for receipt of a sensor about the busbar. A power converter assembly is provided with a direct current bus capacitor and a power module oriented in a housing. A plurality of the electrical connector assemblies are each connected to at least one of the direct current bus capacitor and the power module. | 07-17-2014 |
20140197670 | VEHICLE SEAT LATCHING MECHANISM - A seat assembly is provided with a seat bottom adapted to mount to a vehicle. The seat assembly further includes a first seat back pivotally attached to the seat bottom defining a recline angle relative to the seat bottom, and a second seat back pivotally attached to the seat bottom proximate to the first seat back defining a recline angle relative to the seat bottom. A pin is pivotally connected to the second seat back, is sized to be received within a latch mechanism on the first seat back, and is operably connected to the second seat back to pivot to a stowed position when the first seat back is pivoted to a recline angle that is less than the second seat back recline angle. | 07-17-2014 |
20140196925 | POWER DISTRIBUTION BOX HAVING INTERLOCKING SUPPORT MODULES - A power distribution box may include a first support module having interconnectable elements provided on a plurality of sides thereof, and a second support module having interconnectable elements provided on a plurality of sides thereof. An interconnectable element on the first support module may be interconnected with an interconnectable element on the second support module to connect the first and second support modules together to form a body of the power distribution box having one of a plurality of possible configurations which define different footprints. | 07-17-2014 |
20140191557 | VEHICLE SEAT ASSEMBLY HAVING A PERMEABLE CUSHION WITH A COLORED COATING AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - In at least one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a vehicle seat assembly comprising a frame, a flexible foam cushion supported on the frame, the cushion having an outer surface comprising a major surface portion and a colored minor surface portion, a trim material secured over the cushion to cover the major portion of the surface, the colored minor portion of the outer surface being uncovered by the trim material, and the major surface portion of the cushion having a first permeability of 5 to 30 ml/cm | 07-10-2014 |
20140191496 | VEHICLE SEAT ASSEMBLY WITH SIDE AIR BAG AND GUIDE PANEL WITH SPACED FORWARD ENDS FOR CREATING A SHEARING FORCE - In at least certain embodiments, the vehicle seat assembly comprises a frame, a seat pad, a trim cover extending over at least part of the seat pad with the cover having a release seam, and an air bag assembly including an inflator and an air bag. In accordance with an embodiment, the air bag assembly includes an air bag guide associating the air bag assembly with the release seam, the air bag guide comprising a panel having an intermediate portion that wraps around the air bag assembly, a first end secured to the trim cover on a first side of the release seam and a second end secured to the trim cover on the first side of the release seam spaced a predetermined distance from the first end, the first end having a first width, the second end having a second width and the intermediate portion having a third width, with the sum of the first and second widths being equal to or greater than the third width. | 07-10-2014 |
20140183925 | VEHICLE SEAT TRIM CLOSEOUT SLIDE SYSTEM - A trim cover closeout system for securing adjoining trim cover portions on a vehicle component such as a seat at an opening between the trim cover portions, the system includes first and second trim edge attachment elements each having a mounting surface adapted to be secured to the edge of one of the trim cover portions and it an attachment portion including an outwardly protruding surface, and any longer closure element configured to extend over substantially the entire length of the opening, wherein the closure element may be slidably positioned over the attachment elements to secure the first and second attachment elements and, thereby, the edges of the adjoining trim cover portions to each other to close the opening. A vehicle seat assembly including the trim cover closeout system is also disclosed. | 07-03-2014 |
20140176301 | Remote Function Fob for Enabling Communication Between a Vehicle and a Device and Method for Same - A remote function fob associated with a vehicle is disclosed, the fob for enabling secure communication between the vehicle and a device. The fob may include a transceiver configured for communication with the device. The fob may further include a controller which may be configured to enable secure communication with the device via the transceiver. The controller may be further configured for operation with a code generated using a security protocol, the code to be used in secure communication between the device and the vehicle, the code for transmission to the device via the transceiver. | 06-26-2014 |
20140161276 | Method and Device for Synthetic Generation of an Acoustic Signal - A method and a device for synthetic generation of an acoustic signal, proceeding from a control signal (AS) or a detection signal which is fed as input signal to a device for generating the acoustic signal, wherein at least one electromechanical transducer generates the acoustic signal by means of an electrical transducer excitation signal. | 06-12-2014 |
20140159451 | VEHICLE SEAT ASSEMBLY AND METHOD - A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat cushion arrangement movable between non-extended and extended positions. A seat cushion frame supports a seat cushion and includes a link having a linearly-fixed first end pivotable about an axis of rotation, and a second end rotatable along an arcuate path having a center lying on the axis of rotation. The link is configured such that the second end moves upward for a least a portion of the arcuate path when the seat cushion arrangement is moved between the non-extended and extended positions, and a seat load acts to inhibit upward rotation of the link and maintain the seat cushion arrangement in its then current non-extended or extended position. | 06-12-2014 |
20140154898 | ELECTRICAL CENTER AND CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY SYSTEM - An electrical junction box has a connector retainer assembly with a first contact surface, as well as a connector housing assembly with a pivotal lever arm. The lever arm has a first engagement surface. The connector retainer assembly and the connector housing assembly configured so that when the lever arm is moved in a single direction relative to the connector housing assembly, the first engagement surface engages the first contact surface and the connector housing assembly moves relative to the connector retainer assembly from a pre-staged position to an assembled position. | 06-05-2014 |
20140152067 | MOTOR VEHICLE SEAT, MOTOR VEHICLE AND ASSOCIATED METHOD - The subject matter of the present invention concerns a motor vehicle seat ( | 06-05-2014 |
20140148062 | ELECTRICAL TERMINAL RETAINER AND RECEPTACLE ASSEMBLY - A retainer is provided to retain an electrically conductive terminal within a receptacle. The retainer has a longitudinal body sized to be received by the receptacle and engage the terminal to retain the terminal within the receptacle. The body has an aperture formed therethrough sized to receive a pin through the aperture to contact the terminal. A shoulder extends transversely from the body to engage a distal end of the receptacle and position the body relative to the receptacle. A fastener extends longitudinally from the shoulder and is spaced apart from the body to fasten the retainer to the receptacle. A receptacle assembly is provided with a barb formed externally on a body. An electrically conductive terminal is received within the receptacle assembly. A retainer is provided on an opening of the receptacle to retain the terminal therein in engagement with the barb to fasten the retainer to the body. | 05-29-2014 |
20140138999 | REMOTE RELEASE SEAT WITH DAMPED FORWARD FOLDING - A seat includes a seat base and a seat back that is connected to the seat base by a hinge mechanism for movement between a seating position and a folded forward position. The seat back closes an opening between the passenger compartment and the trunk compartment in the seating position and uncovers the opening in the folded forward position. A spring is operatively connected to the seat back to bias the seat back to the folded forward position. A damper is connected to the seat back that limits the speed that the seat back is folded forward as a result of the biasing force exerted by the spring on the seat back. | 05-22-2014 |
20140137610 | METHOD OF PROCESSING LEATHER MATERIAL - A method of processing a leather material. The method may include providing a tanned and dried leather material and pre-stretching the leather material after the leather material is dried. | 05-22-2014 |
20140125096 | DUAL CAM RECLINER - A vehicle seat recliner that includes a load bearing cam and an anti-chucking cam that act upon a plurality of latches to lock the recliner in a selected position. The load bearing cam is connected to the anti-chucking cam with a lost motion connection. | 05-08-2014 |
20140117648 | VEHICLE SEAT ASSEMBLY WITH AIR BAG GUIDE SECURED TO AN AIR BAG - In at least certain embodiments, the vehicle seat assembly comprises a frame, a seat pad, a trim cover extending over the seat pad with the cover having a release seam, and an air bag assembly including an inflator and an air bag. In accordance with this embodiment, the air bag assembly includes an air bag guide associating the air bag assembly with the release seam, with one of the air bag guide and the air bag having rear ends connected to opposite sides of the other of the air bag guide and the air bag. | 05-01-2014 |
20140114503 | Remote Function Fob for a Vehicle Passive Entry Passive Start System and Method for Operating Same - A remote function fob is disclosed for a passive entry-passive start (PEPS) system for a vehicle. The fob may include a battery, a low frequency (LF) receiver, and a controller. The controller may be configured to enable a low current consumption mode wherein the LF receiver is disabled such that the fob is unable to respond to a PEPS request signal transmitted from a vehicle control module. A method is also disclosed which may include enabling a low current consumption mode wherein a fob receiver is disabled such that the fob is unable to respond to a PEPS request signal transmitted from a vehicle control module. In such a fashion, a shelf-life of the fob battery may be extended. | 04-24-2014 |
20140111185 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING A PHASE SEQUENCE IN A VEHICLE - In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for detecting a phase sequence in a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a control module for being operatively coupled to a power grid for receiving an incoming power signal therefrom, the incoming power signal providing a first voltage and a second voltage in a vehicle. The control module is configured to determine a phase difference between the first voltage and the second voltage and to determine a signal frequency of the incoming signal to determine a country type for the power grid. The control module is further configured to control a number of switching devices to generate an output voltage signal based on the phase difference and the signal frequency to charge at least one battery on the vehicle. | 04-24-2014 |
20140097812 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AGE-COMPENSATING CONTROL FOR A POWER CONVERTER - In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for providing age-compensation control for a power converter is provided. The apparatus comprises a controller for being coupled to a power converter including a plurality of phases for converting a first input signal into a first output signal. The controller is configured to activate at least one first switch for a first phase from the plurality of phases for converting the first input signal into the first output signal. The controller is further configured to determine an aging condition for the at least one first switch for the first phase based on an equivalent time, Teq of the at least one first switch, wherein Teq corresponds to an amount of time the at least one first switch is active and on an operating temperature of the at least one first switch while the at least one first switch is active. | 04-10-2014 |
20140097659 | Recliner Mechanism Having a Brake - A recliner mechanism having a first plate, a dust cover, and a brake. The brake may be configured to engage a set of dust cover teeth to inhibit rotation of the second plate with respect to the first plate. | 04-10-2014 |
20140087602 | ELECTRICAL TERMINAL - An electrical terminal includes a contact portion having a contact portion base with at least three sides forming a generally polyhedron structure. At least one contact arm extends from at least some of the sides, and are arranged to receive a mating electrical component. A spring arrangement includes a plurality of spring arms extending from a spring base. Each of the spring arms includes a spring head in contact with at least one respective contact arm near a distal end of the contact portion for applying a force thereto in a direction toward a central axis of the terminal. The spring base includes a support structure configured to support the mating electrical component. | 03-27-2014 |
20140087601 | ELECTRICAL TERMINAL - An electrical terminal includes a contact portion having a contact portion base with at least three sides forming a generally polyhedron structure. The contact portion has a plurality of contact arms, with at least one of the contact arms extending from at least some of the sides. The contact arms are arranged to receive a mating electrical component such that the mating electrical component contacts at least one of the contact arms associated with each side. A spring arrangement includes a plurality of spring arms, each having a spring head in contact with at least one respective contact arm near a distal end of the contact portion for applying a force thereto in a direction toward a central axis of the terminal, thereby increasing the retention force applied to the mating electrical component. | 03-27-2014 |
20140084657 | SEAT ASSEMBLY HAVING A FOLD ASSIST MECHANISM - A seat assembly having a seat back and a fold assist mechanism. The fold assist mechanism may have a drive plate and a spring. The spring may bias the seat back from a first position toward the second position when the spring engages a drive plate flange. | 03-27-2014 |
20140077480 | AIRBAG MODULE FOR A VEHICLE SEAT ASSEMBLY - An bag assembly is provided with a flat lateral profile for increased compactness in the lateral direction. A folded airbag is inflated by an inflator to unfold and project in a longitudinal direction. The folded airbag has a central fold extending in the longitudinal direction and a pair of distal folds disposed opposite the inflator and defining a distal end of the central fold. | 03-20-2014 |
20140077019 | CORDSET ASSEMBLY - A cordset assembly having a charge controller interruption device and a cord reel. The charge control interruption device may have a housing and at least one cord. The cord reel may have first and second reel portions. The cord may be wound around the housing between the first and second reel portions to facilitate storage. | 03-20-2014 |
20140068900 | SEAT TRIM RETENTION CLIP - A seat trim retention clip that may have a pad and at least one footing. The pad may have first and second retention features. A footing may extend from the pad and may have a plurality of arms that extend from the pad. | 03-13-2014 |
20140062394 | MULTI-MODE BATTERY CHARGER - In one embodiment a multi-mode battery charger for a vehicle is provided. The charger includes a controller. The controller is electrically coupled to a plurality of charging systems. Each charging system is configured to provide a first power from an external power source and to convert the first power into a second power that is suitable for storage on at least one battery on the vehicle. The controller is configured to enable a first charging system of the plurality of charging systems to provide the first power based on a charging priority order in the event two or more of the plurality of charging systems are each determined to provide the first power to the vehicle at the same time. | 03-06-2014 |
20140060505 | APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING CONCENTRATED INDUCTIVE POWER TRANSFER - An inductive charging coil assembly for a vehicle is provided. The assembly comprises a first base plate including at least one first coil thereon for receiving magnetic flux to charge a vehicle battery. The assembly further comprises a second base plate including at least one second coil having a top surface thereof that forms an elevated portion to focus the magnetic flux to the at least one first coil. | 03-06-2014 |
20140054944 | VEHICLE SEAT HEAD RESTRAINT ACTUATION - A vehicle seat controller is provided and configured to receive an input indicative of a seat back having pivoted forward to a predetermined position. The vehicle seat controller conveys a signal to an actuator to pivot a head restraint in response to the input. Another vehicle seat controller is provided and configured to receive an input indicative of a seat back having pivoted rearward to a predetermined position. The vehicle seat controller conveys a signal to an actuator to pivot a head restraint in response to the input. Another vehicle seat controller is provided and configured to receive an input indicative of a rear seat assembly having adjusted to a slouch position. The vehicle seat controller conveys a signal to an actuator to stow a head restraint of a front seat assembly in response to the input. | 02-27-2014 |
20140049089 | SEAT CUSHION ASSEMBLY - A vehicle seat cushion assembly includes a first material defining an outer seating surface. A second material sewn to the first material using first and second sewing lines disposed generally parallel to each other is disposed on an underside of the first material. A wadding material is disposed between the first and second materials and between the first and second sewing lines, and additional wadding material is disposed between the first and second materials adjacent to and not between the first and second sewing lines. The first and second materials are further sewn together using two additional sewing lines respectively disposed adjacent edges of the additional wadding material opposite the first and second sewing lines. | 02-20-2014 |
20140043139 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DUAL RANGE DETECTION IN A VEHICLE - An apparatus for performing a desired vehicle function is provided. The apparatus comprises a base station configured to receive a command signal indicative of the desired vehicle function while in a receive mode. The base station is further configured to determine whether the received command signal includes at least one of a second data component from a plurality of second data components and to activate a transmit mode in the event the received command signal includes the at least one of the second data component. The base station is further configured to determine whether the received command signal includes at least one additional second data component from the plurality of second data components while in the transmit mode and to determine that the portable device is positioned within a predetermined range in the event the received command signal includes the at least one additional second data component. | 02-13-2014 |
20140004732 | Connector Position Assurance Device For A Connector Assembly | 01-02-2014 |
20140001807 | RECLINER MECHANISM | 01-02-2014 |
20140001806 | Stick-Slip Elimination Device For Seat Recliner Mechanism | 01-02-2014 |
20130342007 | ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR - An electrical connector is provided with a conductive body sized to be inserted into a printed circuit board (PCB) aperture. The body has an external profile that is not round to inhibit rotation relative to a corresponding aperture in the PCB. The body has a round aperture formed therein for receipt of an elongate conductive fastener. A circuit board assembly is provided with a PCB aperture that is not round for receipt of the connector. A circuit housing assembly is provided with a housing with an aperture. A conductive stud extends through the PCB aperture and the housing aperture. A conductive nut is mounted on the stud adjacent to the connector. A vehicle power interface is provided with a power supply with a conductive connector received upon the stud on an external side of the housing. A conductive nut mounted on the stud adjacent to the power supply connector. | 12-26-2013 |
20130341987 | Power Return Folding Head Restraint - A head restraint assembly includes a post assembly which has a first post section, a second post section, and a cross member section connecting the first post section and the second post section. The first post section and the second post section are adapted to engage a vehicle seat. The head restraint includes a bun moveably attached to the post assembly, a first gear, and a motor that rotates the first gear in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. Rotation of the first gear drives a second gear which drives a third gear. Rotation of the second gear in a first direction causes movement of the bun to a tilted position while movement of the second gear in a second direction causes movement of the bun to an upright position. | 12-26-2013 |
20130334390 | VEHICLE SEAT MEMORY TRACK ASSEMBLY WITH EXTERNAL RELEASE - A vehicle seat memory track assembly including two pairs of upper and lower seat rails that are positioned on opposite sides of a seat bottom of a vehicle seat, a seat track locking system, and a first actuator is operably connected to the seat track locking system. The first actuator includes a release lever positioned externally to the nested upper and lower seat rail pairs, and movable from a non-activated position to an activated position whereby the release lever causes an activation bracket to disengage the seat track locking system to allow slidable longitudinal movement of the seat to a different desired seating position. A memory system, when activated, records the longitudinal travel of the seat. | 12-19-2013 |
20130322041 | PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD ASSEMBLY AND SOLDER VALIDATION METHOD - A solder validation method for a printed circuit board (PCB) having a pin hole extending through the PCB, an electrically conductive trace on a surface of the PCB, and an electrically conductive pin inserted through the pin hole includes the following. An electrically non-conductive portion is provided on the surface of the PCB between the pin hole and the trace such that the non-conductive portion electrically isolates the pin from the trace. After a soldering process intended to solder the pin and the trace together, a soldered connection between the pin and the trace is detected as being absent when no electrical continuity is between the pin and the trace as a soldered connection between the pin and the trace has to be present to provide the electrical continuity due to the pin and the trace otherwise being electrically isolated from one another by the non-conductive portion. | 12-05-2013 |
20130320922 | WAKE-BY-CONTROL PILOT CIRCUIT FOR ONBOARD BATTERY CHARGER - An on-board battery charging system for a plug-in electric vehicle has a charging unit for charging a high-voltage battery and a controller for controlling and managing current flow used to support charging related operations for the high-voltage battery. The controller may detect a connection between the on-board battery charging system and electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) and is configured to enter a sleep mode when a control pilot signal from the EVSE is either absent or indicative of a delayed charge mode. The charging system may include a wake-by-control pilot circuit operable to wake the controller from the sleep mode when the control pilot signal is detected and when the control pilot signal transitions from a non-zero static DC voltage to an active PWM signal. | 12-05-2013 |
20130320735 | Discontinuous Recliner with Movable Internal Memory Stop - A discontinuous recliner for a vehicle seat back that may be locked in a desired angular orientation. A memory function is provided by a memory pawl that is actuated by a memory handle. The memory pawl carries a memory pad in the memory disengaged position. The memory pawl carries the memory pad in a deactivated position and lodges the memory pad in internal gear teeth of a gear plate when the memory feature is activated. The memory pad rotates with the gear plate as the seat back is folded forward. When the seat back is returned to the memory position, the memory pad engages a stop on the memory pawl that is pivoted to move the memory pad out of engagement with the internal gear teeth of the gear plate. | 12-05-2013 |
20130320178 | Seat Adjuster Assembly - A seat adjuster assembly including a handle, a first track assembly and a second track assembly. The first track assembly includes a first track defining an interior and a second track moveably mounted relative to the first track. A first trigger is pivotally mounted on a first trigger housing and connects to the handle. The first trigger is movable between an unlocked position permitting movement between the first and second tracks, and a locked position. The second track assembly includes a third track defining an interior and a fourth track moveably mounted relative to the third track. A second trigger is pivotally mounted on a second trigger housing and connects to the handle. The second trigger is movable between an unlocked position permitting movement between the third and fourth tracks, and a locked position. | 12-05-2013 |
20130319167 | Seat Adjuster Assembly - A handle adjuster assembly for a seat track locking mechanism. The handle adjuster assembly includes a seat member and a lever pivotally attached to the seat member. The lever has a first end and a second end adapted to engage with the seat track locking mechanism. A handle is pivotally attached to the first end of the lever at a pivot such that the handle is free to rotate in a first rotational direction relative to the lever about the pivot, and wherein the handle is prevented from rotating in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction about the pivot. | 12-05-2013 |
20130313876 | SEAT ASSEMBLY HAVING A FRONT CUSHION MODULE - A vehicle seat assembly having a seat bottom that includes first and second side frame members and a front cushion module. The front cushion module has a support wire and a cushion. The support wire has first and second ends that are disposed proximate the front end of the first and second side frame members, respectively. The cushion receives and is supported by the support wire. | 11-28-2013 |
20130312933 | Coldplate for Use in an Electric Vehicle (EV) or a Hybrid-Electric Vehicle (HEV) - A coldplate for use with electronic components in an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV). The coldplate includes a first portion configured for attachment to a printed circuit board having a plurality of electronic components thereon, and a second portion configured for attachment to the first portion. The first and second portions are further configured to together define a manifold therebetween. The manifold has an inlet, an outlet and a substantially constant height to facilitate a substantially uniform flow of a coolant therethrough for use in dissipating heat generated by the electronic components. | 11-28-2013 |
20130312931 | Coldplate for Use in an Electric Vehicle (EV) or a Hybrid-Electric Vehicle (HEV) - A coldplate for use with electronic components in an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV). The coldplate includes a main portion having multiple raised features on a surface thereof. The raised features are configured for attaching the main portion to a printed circuit board having multiple electronic components attached thereto. The raised features are further configured for maintaining the printed circuit board in a spaced relation relative to the main portion to facilitate air flow between the printed circuit board and the main portion for dissipating heat generated by the plurality of electronic components. The coldplate also includes a protrusion extending from the surface of the main portion. The protrusion is configured for contacting one of the plurality of electronic components attached to the printed circuit board for dissipating heat generated by the electronic component. | 11-28-2013 |
20130312930 | Coldplate for use with a Transformer in an Electric Vehicle (EV) or a Hybrid-Electric Vehicle (HEV) - A coldplate for use with a transformer in an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV). The coldplate includes a main portion having a recess formed therein, the recess having a floor configured for contacting a bottom surface of a transformer for dissipating heat generated by the transformer. The main portion includes a raised feature configured for contacting a winding of the transformer for dissipating heat generated by the transformer. The coldplate also includes a bracket member for use in securing the transformer in the recess of the main portion, the bracket member configured for contacting the main portion and the transformer for dissipating heat generated by the transformer. The bracket member includes a contact surface for contacting a top surface of the transformer, the contact surface having an area sufficient to contact substantially all of the top surface of the transformer. | 11-28-2013 |
20130300608 | System, Method and Product for Locating Vehicle Key Using Neural Networks - A system, method and product for determining a vehicle key fob location. The system may include a control unit for mounting in a vehicle and configured to receive multiple signals, each representing a strength of a wireless signal transmitted between the fob and one of multiple antennas located on a vehicle, and multiple neural networks having a cascade topology. The neural networks may include a first neural network for determining one of a vehicle internal position and a vehicle external position of the fob based on the wireless signal strengths, a second neural network in communication with the first neural network for determining one of multiple vehicle interior positions of the fob based on the wireless signal strengths, and a third neural network in communication with the first neural network for determining one of multiple vehicle exterior positions of the fob based on the wireless signal strengths. | 11-14-2013 |
20130278272 | Method and apparatus for high voltage isolation monitor for a vehicle - An apparatus for monitoring a high voltage isolation in a vehicle. The apparatus comprising a power conversion device for receiving a high voltage on a power bus. The power conversion device is configured to control a first switch for enabling a first known resistance to receive the high voltage and to measure a first voltage between a first node and a ground in response to the first known resistance receiving the high voltage. The power conversion device is further configured to measure a second voltage between a second node and the ground in response to the first known resistance receiving the high voltage and to determine a first leakage resistance between the first node and the ground based on at least the first voltage and the second voltage. The first leakage resistance indicating whether the high voltage is isolated from the ground. | 10-24-2013 |
20130265129 | HEAT DISSIPATING ELECTROMAGNETIC DEVICE ARRANGEMENT - An electromagnetic device arrangement includes a transformer assembly having a core, windings, and a housing disposed around at least a portion of the core and windings. An enclosure at least partially encloses the transformer assembly. The transformer assembly is mounted to a first portion of the enclosure such that heat is transferred from the transformer assembly to the first portion of the enclosure. A second portion of the enclosure has an extension extending therefrom such that the extension is placed in thermal contact with the transformer assembly to transfer heat from the transformer assembly to the extension. | 10-10-2013 |
20130258596 | Coldplate for Use with an Inverter in an Electric Vehicle (EV) or a Hybrid-Electric Vehicle (HEV) - A coldplate for use with an inverter in an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV). The inverter includes a direct current (DC) link capacitor comprising multiple film capacitors configured in a stack. The coldplate includes a first portion configured for attachment to at least one electronic component, the first portion having a perimeter and for dissipating heat generated by the electronic component. The coldplate includes a second portion oriented along the perimeter of the first portion and forming a conduit, the conduit having a chamber extending from the perimeter of the first portion and between two of the plurality of film capacitors of the DC link capacitor. The conduit has an inlet and an outlet to facilitate circulation of a coolant through the chamber of the conduit for dissipating heat generated by the DC link capacitor. | 10-03-2013 |
20130257120 | VEHICLE SEAT ASSEMBLY HAVING A BACK PANEL MODULE - A vehicle seat assembly having a back panel module configured to conceal an air bag module disposed in a seat back. A back panel module may have a back panel and a side panel. The back panel and the side panel may extend along the lateral side of the seat back and form an exterior surface of the back panel module. | 10-03-2013 |
20130249258 | SEAT ASSEMBLY HAVING A HEATER WIRE AND A METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - A seat assembly having a heater wire and a method of manufacture. The heater wire is made of an electrically conductive material and may be ultrasonically welded to a substrate, such as a trim cover assembly or a seat cushion. | 09-26-2013 |
20130230991 | PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD CONNECTION ASSEMBLY - In at least one embodiment, a vehicle power module comprises a first printed circuit board (PCB) including a first plurality of electrical components for providing a first voltage and a second voltage. The vehicle power module further comprises a second PCB including a second plurality of electrical components, the second PCB being spaced away from the first printed circuit board and a first connector assembly being coupled to the first PCB and to the second PCB for providing the first voltage to the second PCB. The vehicle power module further comprises a second connector assembly being coupled to the first PCB and to the second PCB for providing the second voltage to the second PCB. The first connector assembly provides the first voltage of up to 14V and the second connector assembly provides the second voltage of 200V or greater. | 09-05-2013 |
20130229039 | VEHICLE SEAT HAVING ACTIVE HEAD RESTRAINT - A vehicle seat assembly having a seatback frame, an upper armature that is movable relative to the seatback frame and a head restraint mounted on the upper armature. A linkage assembly operatively interconnects the upper armature and an impact body such that movement of the impact body relative to the seatback frame acts on the linkage assembly to move the upper armature relative to the seatback frame to cause the head restraint to move toward the occupant. The linkage assembly includes a linkage and a coupler movably connected to the linkage. The coupler includes a first member movably connected to the seatback frame and a second member movably connected to the first member at a location below the upper end of the impact body. | 09-05-2013 |
20130200664 | VEHICLE SEAT SIDE AIR BAG ASSEMLBY HAVING STRAP SECURED AIR BAG CHUTE - A vehicle seat air bag assembly ( | 08-08-2013 |
20130200243 | Seat Track Having Selectable End Stop Positions - A seat track assembly includes a moveable rail configured to support a seat and a stationary rail configured to be mounted to a floor structure. The moveable rail is selectively positioned relative to the stationary rail is a plurality of use positions. The moveable and stationary rails include end stop structures that cooperate to adjust the overall travel length and travel midpoint position of the moveable rail relative to the stationary rail. | 08-08-2013 |
20130193920 | APPARATUS AND METHOD OF DUAL USE RESISTOR FOR BATTERY DISCONNECT - A vehicle apparatus comprising a battery charger is provided. The battery charger is operably coupled to a power grid to receive AC energy during a vehicle charging operation and is operably coupled to a switching circuit for one of connecting and disconnecting the battery in the vehicle. The switching circuit includes a single resistor and is arranged to enable a pre-charge operation and a battery heating operation. The battery charger is configured to convert the AC energy into DC energy for delivering at least a portion of the DC energy to the single resistor for performing the battery heating operation when the vehicle charging operation is being performed. | 08-01-2013 |
20130193730 | Seat Track Mechanism - A seat track assembly includes first and second tracks. The second track includes a detent. A roller engages the first and second tracks for facilitating movement of the first track relative to the second track. Movement of the first track relative to the second track at a predetermined position causes the roller to engage with the detent such that the detent resists rotation of the roller, thereby temporarily retaining the first track relative to the second track at the predetermined position. | 08-01-2013 |
20130192798 | COOLED ELECTRIC ASSEMBLY - A cooled electric assembly includes a box that defines an interior space. An electrical conductor is located within the interior space. A cooling tube is attached to the box. A thermal conductor is located at least partially within the interior space and is in thermal contact with the electrical conductor and in thermal contact with the cooling tube. | 08-01-2013 |
20130187664 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DIAGNOSTICS OF A CAPACITIVE SENSOR - In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for diagnosing a state of a capacitive sensor is provided. The apparatus includes a control unit for being operably coupled to a decoupling device that exhibits a drift condition and to the capacitive sensor. The control unit being configured to determine an impedance of the capacitive sensor and to determine a characteristic of the capacitive sensor based on at least the impedance. The control unit being further configured to determine a characteristic of the decoupling device based on the characteristic of the capacitive sensor and to provide an estimated capacitance based on the characteristic of the decoupling device, the estimated capacitance being indicative of the state of the capacitive sensor. | 07-25-2013 |
20130187432 | SEAT CUSHION ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - A method for manufacturing a vehicle seat cushion assembly includes providing a first material to define an outer seating surface. A second material is sewn to the first material using first and second sewing lines disposed generally parallel to each other. A wadding material is disposed between the first and second materials and between the first and second sewing lines, and additional wadding material is disposed between the first and second materials adjacent to and not between the first and second sewing lines. The first and second materials are further sewn together using two additional sewing lines respectively disposed adjacent edges of the additional wadding material opposite the first and second sewing lines. | 07-25-2013 |
20130176002 | CONTROL PILOT VEHICLE INTERFACE WITH NON-LOCAL RETURN TO GROUND - A vehicle interface is contemplated to be operable with an Electronic Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) system and a vehicle charging system to facilitate vehicle charging related operations. The vehicle interface may include one or more switches and a charger controller configured to facilitate communications between the EVSE system and the vehicle charging system. The vehicle interface may be configured to adapted to common mode interference and other influences resulting from connections between the vehicle interface and EVSE being referenced to earth ground and connections between the vehicle interface and other vehicle electronics being reference to a vehicle chassis ground. | 07-11-2013 |
20130175988 | VEHICLE INTERFACE WITH NON-LOCAL RETURN TO GROUND - A vehicle interface is contemplated to be operable with an Electronic Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) system and a vehicle charging system to facilitate vehicle charging related operations. The vehicle interface may include a noise compensation configured to facilitate compensating for noise within the reference signal resulting from the reference circuit. The vehicle interface may be configured to adapted to common mode interference and other influences resulting from connections between the vehicle interface and EVSE being referenced to earth ground and connections between the vehicle interface and other vehicle electronics being reference to a vehicle chassis ground. | 07-11-2013 |
20130170269 | Heat Conductor for Use with an Inverter in an Electric Vehicle (EV) or a Hybrid-Electric Vehicle (HEV) - A heat conductor for use with an inverter in an electric or hybrid-electric vehicle, the inverter including a direct current link capacitor having multiple film capacitors configured in a stack to form a substantially polygonal prism. Each film capacitor has orthotropic characteristics. The heat conductor has a first substantially planar member configured to contact a first side of the polygonal prism formed by one of the film capacitors, and a second substantially planar member configured to contact a second side of the polygonal prism opposite the first side of the rectangular prism, the second side of the rectangular prism formed by another one of the film capacitors. The first and second planar member are thermally conductive for dissipating heat generated by the film capacitors, are attached by an interconnect, and have sufficient rigidity to confine expansion of the film capacitors across the thicknesses thereof. | 07-04-2013 |
20130161296 | METHOD FOR ELECTRICALLY CONNECTING A PAIR OF CIRCUIT BOARDS USING A PAIR OF BOARD CONNECTORS AND AN INTERCONNECTOR - A system for electrically connecting circuit boards includes a pair of board connectors configured to be electrically connected to respective circuit boards. Each of the board connectors includes a plurality of electrical conductors and a housing configured to enclose at least a portion of the electrical conductors. An interconnector includes a plurality of electrical conductors, each of which is configured to be electrically connected to a respective electrical conductor of the board connectors, thereby electrically connecting the circuit boards. An interconnector housing is configured to cooperate with the housings of the board conductors to at least partially enclose the electrical connections between the electrical conductors of the interconnector and the board connectors. | 06-27-2013 |
20130158904 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ASSESSING THE INTEGRITY OF ANALOG-DIGITAL CONVERTER - An apparatus for determining integrity of an electronic device in a vehicle is provided. The apparatus comprises a controller operably coupled to a high voltage measuring circuit and to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The high voltage measuring circuit receives a high voltage signal and includes at least one stressed resistor for reducing the high voltage signal into a suitable voltage signal. The ADC performs a measurement with the suitable voltage that is indicative of the high voltage signal in a normal operation mode. The controller is configured to apply a calibrated voltage to the at least one stressed resistor in a calibration mode. The controller is further configured to calculate a resistance value of the at least one stressed resistor based on applying the calibrated voltage to the at least one stressed resistor to determine if the at least one stressed resistor is in a stressed state. | 06-20-2013 |
20130154866 | Method and System for Monitoring for Variation of Converter Voltage Reference - A method and system include a converter such as an analog-to-digital converter (“ADC”) and a controller. The converter is configured to receive a sensor signal, indicative of a physical measured quantity, and generate an output signal based on the sensor signal and the voltage reference. The converter is further configured to alternately receive a calibration voltage in lieu of the sensor signal and generate the output signal based on the calibration voltage and the voltage reference. The controller is configured to compare the output signal based on the calibration voltage and the voltage reference with an expected value of the output signal based on the calibration voltage and an assumed value of the voltage reference to detect variation of the voltage reference, and to compensate the output signal based on the sensor signal and the voltage reference as a function of the detected variation of the voltage reference. | 06-20-2013 |
20130154865 | Method and System for Minimizing Variation of Converter Voltage Reference - A system for minimizing variation of a voltage reference includes a voltage reference generator and a power converter. The voltage reference generator is configured to generate a voltage reference from a supply voltage. The power converter, such as a flyback converter, is configured to supply an adjustable supply voltage to the voltage reference generator. The voltage reference generator generates the voltage reference from the adjustable supply voltage. | 06-20-2013 |
20130154672 | Method and System for Battery Current Measurement Calibration - A sensor for monitoring battery current includes a shunt and a current source. The shunt has a resistance with an actual value. The current source is configured to provide a known value of current through the shunt. A controller is configured to generate a measured value of the current through the shunt as a function of a measured value of voltage drop across the shunt caused by the current through the shunt and an assumed value of the resistance of the shunt. The controller is further configured to detect the assumed value of the resistance of the shunt as being different than the actual value of the resistance of the shunt when the known and measured values of the current differ. | 06-20-2013 |
20130153735 | Positively Engaged Locking Mechanism For A Vehicle Seat - A seat track assembly includes a first track having a wall including a plurality of openings formed therein. A second track is slidably mounted relative to the first track and has a pair of spaced apart walls, each of the walls include a plurality of openings formed therein. The seat track assembly further includes a locking mechanism that includes a pin carried by the second track and slidably movable within a substantially horizontal plane between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the pin is disposed in one of the plurality of openings formed in the wall of the first track and is pivoted to a position such that an axis of the pin is not parallel with the substantially horizontal plane. In the disengaged position, the pin is not disposed in the opening formed in the wall of the first track. | 06-20-2013 |
20130143594 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING A LOCATION OF A WIRELESS DEVICE - In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for determining a location of a portable wireless device in relation to a vehicle is provided. The apparatus comprises a first base station that includes a first transceiver for being positioned about a vehicle. The first transceiver is configured to operate at a first operating frequency for transmitting and receiving at least one first signal to and from the portable wireless device to provide a first distance of the portable wireless device with respect to the vehicle. The first operating frequency generally corresponds to a distance accuracy value and the first distance generally corresponds to an actual distance of the portable wireless device from the vehicle that is adjusted by the distance accuracy value. | 06-06-2013 |
20130141041 | Offline Power Supply And Charging Apparatus - An offline power supply includes a power supply circuit including a primary-side circuit for connecting to a power source, a secondary-side circuit for connecting to a load, and a transformer connecting the primary-side circuit and the secondary-side circuit. A switch operates to selectively connect the primary-side circuit to the power source. A trigger circuit is connected to the secondary-side circuit and has at least one input. The trigger circuit generates an output to selectively operate the switch based on the at least one input. | 06-06-2013 |
20130140866 | Folding Vehicle Head Restraint Assembly - A head restraint assembly is provided to be mounted within a vehicle. A head restraint is supported by the cross member in a lateral direction and adapted to rotate about a lateral axis of the cross member. A fixed locking member is mounted within the head restraint. A latch is mounted to slide on the cross member between a first latch position engaged with the locking member and at a second latch position released from the fixed locking member. A lever is provided proximate the latch to move the latch between the first latch position and the second latch position. A motor is in communication with the lever such that the motor moves the lever to translate the latch from the first latch position to the second latch position. The head restraint is rotatable about the cross member when the latch is in the second latch position. | 06-06-2013 |
20130140863 | AUTOMOTIVE SEAT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF STOWING SAME - An automotive seat system includes a first seat having a back portion and a bottom portion, and a second seat movably attached with the first seat. The second seat moveable between an extended and folded position. One of the back portion and bottom portion of the first seat configured to receive and stow the second seat if in the folded position. | 06-06-2013 |
20130135841 | CHARGER ASSEMBLY AND ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE SHIELD ASSEMBLY - An electromagnetic interference shield assembly is provided with a first housing formed of a first conductive polymer. The first housing has a cavity sized to receive an electronic sub-assembly therein. A second housing is formed of a second conductive polymer. The second housing has a cavity sized to receive the first housing therein. | 05-30-2013 |
20130135797 | HOUSING ASSEMBLY TO ENCLOSE AND GROUND AN ELECTRICAL SUBASSEMBLY - A housing assembly to enclose an electrical subassembly includes a housing formed from a conductive polymer. The housing has a cavity sized to receive an electronic sub-assembly therein. A conductive boss is insert-molded into the housing in conductive contact with the housing. A conductive bracket is fastened to the boss in conductive connection with the boss and the housing to support and electrically ground the housing. | 05-30-2013 |
20130134925 | CHARGER ASSEMBLY WITH HEAT TRANSFER DUCT - A charger assembly is provided with a housing having a cavity with an opening. A cover is fastened to the housing for covering the opening. A heat transfer duct is mounted to the cover with an inlet end and an outlet end each extending through the cover. A plurality of heat sinks is mounted to the cover in contact with the heat transfer duct. A plurality of circuit board assemblies are each mounted to the cover in contact with the plurality of heat sinks. | 05-30-2013 |
20130134761 | ADJUSTABLE HEAD RESTRAINT ASSEMBLY FOR VEHICLE SEATS - An adjustable vehicle head restraint assembly is provided with a post mounted in a vehicle proximate to a seat back. A transverse shaft is mounted to the post. A head restraint is pivotally connected to the transverse shaft. An actuator is mounted to the head restraint. A striker is mounted to one of the transverse shaft and the head restraint. A latch is mounted to the other of the transverse shaft and the head restraint in engagement with the striker, such that actuation of the actuator in the transverse direction disengages the latch from the striker for rotation of the head restraint relative to the transverse shaft. Rotation of the head restraint from a collapsed position to an upright position causes the latch to engage the striker, which retracts the latch until the head restraint reaches the upright position, and the latch extends thereby locking the head restraint. | 05-30-2013 |
20130134751 | Two-Way Zipper Closeout for Folding Head Restraint Slots - A trim cover for a vehicle head restraint includes a three dimensional sheet conforming to the shape of a head restraint system component and a slot having a first side and a second side. The trim cover also includes a two-way zipper closeout. The two-way zipper closeout includes a first strip having a first plurality of zipper teeth and a second strip having a second plurality of zipper teeth. The zipper closeout includes a first slider contacting the first and second plurality of teeth such that movement in a first direction closes the zipper closeout and movement in a second direction opens the zipper closeout. Finally, the zipper closeout also includes a second slider contacting the first and second plurality of teeth such that movement in the first direction opens the zipper closeout and movement in the second direction closes the zipper closeout. | 05-30-2013 |
20130120889 | Proximity detection circuit having short protection - A proximity detection circuit is contemplated to detect connection of a cordset to a vehicle charging system or connection of another device to some other electrical circuit where it may be desirable to facilitate detection. A short protection circuit may be included as part of the proximity detection circuit to facilitate disconnection in the event of a shorter other condition where undesirable currents and/or voltages may be propagated to other systems of portions of the vehicle charging system. | 05-16-2013 |
20130119931 | CONTROL PILOT DETECTION CIRCUIT - A control pilot detection circuit operable with a control pilot signal provided from an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) system to facilitate output of a control pilot wake-up signal. The control pilot wake-up signal may be operable with a controller to facilitate controlling operations of a vehicle charging system, such as to facilitate charging a high voltage battery included within a vehicle. | 05-16-2013 |
20130119755 | HOUSEKEEPING CIRCUIT HAVING TRICKLE CHARGE CAPABILITIES - A housekeeping circuit configured to facilitate powering multiple loads is contemplated. The housekeeping circuit may include a transformer to regulate voltage output for using in powering the loads. A trickle circuit may be included to facilitate setting a minimum loading on the transformer. The minimum loading may be beneficial in insuring proper regulation of the transformer. | 05-16-2013 |
20130119646 | VEHICLE SEAT ASSEMBLY WITH INBOARD SIDE AIR BAG - In at least certain embodiments, the vehicle seat assembly comprises a frame having a support portion, a seat pad, a trim cover extending over the seat pad, and an air bag assembly. In accordance with this embodiment, the air bag assembly includes an inflator and an air bag, and the air bag assembly is mounted on the support portion of the frame such that the air bag assembly is disposed inboard of the support portion of the frame. | 05-16-2013 |
20130113255 | FOLDING VEHICLE SEAT - A seat assembly includes a track mount configured to shift along a track and a platform configured to selectively latch to, unlatch from, and pivot relative to the track mount. The assembly also includes a seat-back and a seat-cushion, each connected to the platform and configured to selectively latch to, unlatch from, and pivot relative to the platform. The assembly additionally includes a first mechanism configured to selectively operate the seat assembly in a first mode and a second mode. The first mode includes unlatching and pivoting the seat-back and unlatching and pivoting the platform such that the seat assembly tumbles relative to the track. The second mode includes unlatching and pivoting the seat-cushion and unlatching and pivoting the seat-back such that the seat-back comes to rest substantially parallel to the track mount. A vehicle having the seat assembly is also provided. | 05-09-2013 |
20130109237 | ELECTRICAL TERMINAL AND RECEPTACLE ASSEMBLY | 05-02-2013 |
20130109221 | ELECTRICAL TERMINAL AND RECEPTACLE ASSEMBLY | 05-02-2013 |
20130107398 | Limit Switch Interface Circuit | 05-02-2013 |
20130106437 | INSULATION RESISTANCE MONITORING FOR VEHICLES WITH HIGH-VOLTAGE POWER NET | 05-02-2013 |
20130093218 | Seat Assembly Having a Folding Seat Bottom and Head Restraint - A seat assembly having a seat bottom, a seat back, and a head restraint assembly. The head restraint assembly may be disposed on the seat back and may move from a first position to a second position when the seat bottom is rotated about a first axis of rotation with respect to the seat back. | 04-18-2013 |
20130090012 | CONNECTOR HAVING OPTIMIZED TIP - A connector having an optimized tip is disclosed. The tip may be optimized to facilitate insulating the connector and/or providing a low friction surface to facilitate insertion. The tip may be optimized with a non-conducting and/or low friction end cap configured to be positioned over the tip. | 04-11-2013 |
20130088061 | Seat Assembly Having a Collapsible Cushion Support Assembly - A seat assembly having a collapsible cushion support assembly disposed on a seat bottom frame and an adjustable support mechanism. The adjustable support mechanism supports a seat occupant and extends from a seat bottom frame to a seat back frame. | 04-11-2013 |
20130082495 | VEHICLE SEAT ASSEMBLY WITH RIGID AIR BAG PROTECTION MEMBER - A vehicle seat assembly according to the present disclosure includes an air bag module having a front and a side, and the air bag module includes an inflatable air bag and a rigid cover at least partially covering the air bag. The rigid cover may include a protection portion that extends at least partially along the side of the air bag module. The protection portion has an end spaced away from the front of the air bag module. The seat assembly further includes a seat pad disposed outside of the air bag module, and a trim cover positioned over the seat pad. In at least one embodiment, upon inflation of the air bag, the end of the protection portion is configured to move forwardly such that the protection portion extends between the seat pad and the air bag. | 04-04-2013 |
20130082494 | VEHICLE SEAT ASSEMBLY WITH AIR BAG MODULE HAVING INTEGRAL PROTECTION MEMBER - A vehicle seat assembly may include an air bag module having an inflatable air bag and a housing that receives the air bag. The housing has a main body that substantially encloses the air bag prior to inflation of the air bag, and an extension formed integrally with the main body. The extension is substantially enclosed by the main body prior to inflation of the air bag, and the extension has an end. Upon inflation of the air bag, the end of the extension is configured to extend outside the main body such that the end extends between the air bag and a component of the seat assembly. | 04-04-2013 |
20130082492 | ARMREST ASSEMBLY HAVING BEVERAGE HOLDER - A cupholder assembly has a housing with an opening and first and second support members movably mounted on the housing. The first support member moves along a first direction between a retracted position and an extended position. The second moves along a second direction that is normal to the first direction between a first position and a second position that is further spaced from a distal portion of the first support member. The distal portion of the second support member includes a support surface adapted to provide support for an item when the distal portion of the second support member is in the second position. A support rod has a first end connected to the first support member and a second end connected to the second support member. The support rod is angled relative to a third direction normal to the first and second directions when the distal portion of the second support member is in the second position. | 04-04-2013 |
20130076049 | STRIKER FOR A SEAT - A striker that may be used with a latch assembly. The striker may include first and second mounting flanges and a striker body. Striker body may include an indentation that may extend toward the second mounting flange. | 03-28-2013 |
20130069412 | SEAT ASSEMBLY HAVING A GUIDE BUSHING - A seat assembly having a guide bushing. The guide bushing has an opening for receiving a support post. First and second engagement features are provided that are configured to engage the support post. The first engagement feature is configured to flex in response to a biasing force exerted by a biasing member. | 03-21-2013 |
20130057042 | DAMPER FOR A VEHICLE SEAT - A recliner assembly for a vehicle seat having a seat back pivotally mounted relative to a seat bottom is provided. The seat back is movable between an upright position, where the seat back is in a generally vertical position for supporting an occupant seated on the seat, and a storage position, where the seat back is folded with respect to the seat bottom. The recliner assembly includes a damper operatively connected between the seat bottom and seat back. The damper includes an outer race and an inner race, wherein at least one of the inner race and outer race comprise an annular cam-profile surface. A plurality of rollers are disposed between the inner race and outer race, to cooperate with the cam-profile surface and the other one of the inner race and outer race to dampen movement of the seat back during at least partial movement from the upright position to the storage position. | 03-07-2013 |
20130049430 | HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE HEAD RESTRAINTS FOR VEHICLE SEATS - A height adjustable head restraint assembly is provided with an upright guide adapted to be mounted to a vehicle body proximate to a seat back. The guide has a cross section. A frame has a cavity with a cross section oversized relative to that of the guide to receive the guide. At least one of the guides in the frame has a plurality of projections extending to engage the other for providing guidance therebetween. A head restraint is mounted to the frame for translation along the guide. A motor is mounted to the frame for driving a threaded rod that is engaged with a fixed nut that is mounted to the guide for translating the head restraint. A pair of conductive brushes is provided on the guide and a pair of conductive contacts is mounted to the frame in electrical communication with the motor for providing power to the motor. | 02-28-2013 |
20130049429 | ADJUSTABLE VEHICLE HEAD RESTRAINT - A vehicle seat with an adjustable head restraint assembly is provided with a controller configured to receive an instruction signal to actuate a head restraint from a use position to a stowed position. A detection signal indicates whether an object is within a predetermined range of the head restraint. A stow signal is transmitted to an actuator to actuate the head restraint to the stowed position in response to the instruction signal and in response to the detection signal indicating that an object is not within the predetermined range of the head restraint. A use signal is transmitted to the actuator to maintain the head restraint in the use position in response to the instruction signal and in response to the detection signal indicating that an object is within the predetermined range of the head restraint. | 02-28-2013 |
20130045630 | TOUCH PROOF END CAP FOR A LEADING END OF A CONDUCTING CONNECTOR - A touch proof connector is contemplated. The connector may be comprised of a conducting body with a non-conducting end cap. The touch-proof connector may be included within a charging receptacle of a vehicle to facilitate establishing electrical connection with a connector assembly of a plug-in charging system. The non-conducting end cap may be configured to facilitate insulating a tip of the touch-proof connector from human contact. | 02-21-2013 |
20130044434 | POWER MODULE COOLING SYSTEM - A cooling system is operable to facilitate cooling a power module or other electronic assembly. The cooling system may be configured to facilitate cooling a DC/AC inverter or other electronic assembly where two power modules may be arranged in an opposing relationship relative to a coolant passageway. The opposing relationship may be suitable to minimizing a packaging size and footprint required to facilitate interacting both power modules with the coolant flow. | 02-21-2013 |
20130038283 | CHARGER SYSTEM WITH SAFETY GUARDIAN - A safety guardian operable to facilitate notifying an Electronic Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) system whether a vehicle charging system is ready to accept energy. The safety guardian may be configured to facilitate control of a vehicle interface used to provide a reference voltage to the EVSE reflective of whether the charging system is ready to accept energy. The guardian may control the vehicle interface in the absence of a suitable control signal from the vehicle charging system in order to ensure the EVSE is notified when the vehicle charging system is not ready to accept energy. | 02-14-2013 |
20130026827 | Multistage Power Supply System and Method for Providing Uninterrupted Power to Vehicle Circuitry - A multistage power supply system and method for providing uninterrupted low voltage electrical power to control circuitry in an electric or hybrid-electric vehicle. A first stage includes a converter for receiving a low voltage input from a vehicle battery and converting the vehicle battery low voltage input to a high voltage output. A second stage provided in series communication with the first stage includes a converter for receiving one of a rectified AC high voltage input and the first stage high voltage output and converting the one of the rectified AC high voltage input and the first stage high voltage output to a low voltage output for use in powering the vehicle control circuitry. The low voltage output is produced by the second stage from the rectified AC high voltage input when the rectified AC high voltage input is present, and the low voltage output is produced by the second stage from the first stage high voltage output when the rectified AC high voltage input is absent. | 01-31-2013 |
20130023163 | ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR - An electrical connector includes an electrical terminal and a housing having a front end and a back end with an opening configured to receive the electrical terminal. The housing includes a first lock system configured to allow insertion of the electrical terminal into the housing and prohibit removal of the electrical terminal from the housing. It also includes a tapered surface and for guiding the electrical terminal to a desired position when the electrical terminal is inserted into the housing. A second lock system cooperates with the housing in a lock position for prohibiting removal of the electrical terminal from the housing. It also cooperates with the housing in a pre-lock position wherein a tapered surface of the second lock system is configured to cooperate with the tapered surface of the housing for guiding the electrical terminal to the desired position when the electrical terminal is inserted into the housing. | 01-24-2013 |
20130023137 | ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR - An electrical connector includes an electrical terminal and a housing having a front end and a back end with an opening configured to receive the electrical terminal therethrough. The housing includes a first lock system configured to allow insertion of the electrical terminal into the housing and prohibit removal of the electrical terminal from the housing. The housing is configured such that the first lock system is accessible from the front of the housing to release the electrical terminal from the first lock system. A second lock system is configured for insertion into the housing to prohibit removal of the electrical terminal from the housing independently from the first lock system. | 01-24-2013 |
20130017739 | FEMALE TYPE CONTACT FOR AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTORAANM Glick; MichaelAACI Farmington HillsAAST MIAACO USAAGP Glick; Michael Farmington Hills MI USAANM Pavlovic; SlobodanAACI NoviAAST MIAACO USAAGP Pavlovic; Slobodan Novi MI USAANM Mott; Allen LeoAACI LivoniaAAST MIAACO USAAGP Mott; Allen Leo Livonia MI USAANM Sadras-Ravindra; TulasiAACI CantonAAST MIAACO USAAGP Sadras-Ravindra; Tulasi Canton MI US - A female contact is provided for an electrical connector. The female contact includes a body portion and a plurality of flexible beams that extend from the body portion. The body portion is biased for engagement with a connector housing. The flexible beams taper from a first width this is near the body portion to a second width that is smaller than the first width. | 01-17-2013 |
20130001394 | Stowable Rear Seat with Fore and Aft Adjustment - A vehicle seat is provided with a linkage that may be used to raise and lower a front portion of the seat base. A track assembly is provided in combination with the linkage that moves the seat in a fore-and-aft direction with the seat back in either an upright or fold flat position. The linkage for adjusting the position of the front of the seat base may be actuated by pivoting the seat back between the upright and fold flat position. | 01-03-2013 |
20120329297 | TERMINAL AND CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY - A connector assembly is provided with a body that extends along a lateral length with a longitudinal height defined by a first body surface and an opposing second body surface. A locking terminal extends through the body and includes an elongate blade having a distal end for electrically connecting to a mating connector and a proximal end adapted to electrically connect to an electronic component with an aperture. At least one tab extends lengthwise from an intermediate portion of the blade and extends through the electronic component aperture. A projection extends outward from the tab such that the projection interferes with the aperture during insertion of the tab therethrough for deforming the tab. After insertion, the tab returns from the deformation and engages the projection to the electronic component for retaining the tab within the aperture. | 12-27-2012 |
20120326481 | ADJUSTABLE HEAD RESTRAINT ASSEMBLY FOR VEHICLE SEATS - A vehicle head restraint assembly includes a head restraint support adapted to be mounted to a seat back frame. A transverse shaft is pivotally mounted to the support. A post is connected to the shaft for supporting a head restraint. A biasing member is connected to the support and the shaft for biasing the post to a collapsed position. An eccentric projection extends from a central region of the shaft. A latching mechanism is provided on the support and oriented within a path of rotation of the projection to engage the projection and maintain the head restraint in an upright position. Retraction of the latching mechanism permits the biasing member to pivot the head restraint to the collapsed position. | 12-27-2012 |
20120322322 | ELECTRICAL TERMINAL WITH COIL SPRING - An electrical terminal is operable to facilitate electrical connectivity between the terminal and an electrical connector. The electrical terminal may include a cap to facilitate positioning a conducting element, such as but not limited to a coil spring, within a receptacle used to connect to an electrically conducting connector. The conducting element may facilitate electrical connectivity between the inserted connector and the terminal. | 12-20-2012 |
20120319440 | Armrest Assembly Having Beverage Holder - An armrest assembly includes a body and a pair of elongate side members at an outer side periphery of the body. The assembly further includes a tray extending between the side members, wherein the tray defines a beverage holder and is slidably mounted relative to the body. | 12-20-2012 |
20120317805 | Printed Circuit Board Having Aluminum Traces with a Solderable Layer of Material Applied Thereto - A method is provided for producing a printed circuit board. The method includes the step of providing an insulating substrate having a layer of aluminum material applied to the substrate. A portion of the layer of aluminum material is removed for defining a circuit trace. A layer of conductive material is applied to the layer of aluminum material. | 12-20-2012 |
20120315801 | CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY FOR VEHICLE CHARGING - A connector assembly having a body is provided. The body forms an inlet, an internal cavity, and an outlet. A plate is oriented in the cavity and adjacent to the outlet. A harness partially extends through the inlet, into the cavity, and is connected to the plate. A molded material is disposed over the harness within the internal cavity on an inlet side of the plate. The molded material includes an integrally formed grommet that is oriented at the inlet of the body for providing strain relief to the harness. | 12-13-2012 |
20120314462 | OFFLINE POWER SUPPLY AND APPARATUS FOR CHARGING A PLUG-IN VEHICLE - An offline power supply includes a power supply circuit including a primary-side circuit for connecting to a first power source, a secondary-side circuit for connecting to a load, and a transformer connecting the primary-side circuit and the secondary-side circuit. A switch operates to selectively connect the primary-side circuit to the first power source. A second power source is charged during operation of the power supply circuit. A controller powered by the second power source has at least one input, and an output to selectively operate the switch based on the at least one input. | 12-13-2012 |
20120313430 | CONVERTER HAVING VARIABLE FREQUENCY CONTROL - A converter operable for powering one or more loads having a variable switching frequency. The switching frequency of the converter being selectable based on a desired output power level and/or whether switching of a plurality of switches of the converter is characterized as zero voltage switching (ZVS) or non-zero voltage switching (NZVS). | 12-13-2012 |
20120306657 | ISOLATED RESISTIVE CURRENT SENSOR - An isolated current-sensing system for use with a resistive current sense element includes an analog front-end configured to receive a voltage from the resistive current sense element, and to provide an analog output. A processing circuit receives the analog output, and provides a measurement signal indicative of the sensed current. An isolation circuit provides an isolation barrier, and is configured to pass the measurement signal. A programmable over-current protection alarm may be included, and configured to generate an alarm signal when the analog output exceeds a programmable threshold. The processing circuit may include a voltage-to-PWM converter. | 12-06-2012 |
20120301212 | Latch Mechanism for Releasably Securing a Seat to a Floor - A latch mechanism selectively securing an apparatus, such as a vehicle seat, to a support surface, such as a floor in a vehicle. The latch mechanism includes a housing portion, and a hook that is supported on the housing portion for movement between an engaged position, wherein the apparatus is secured to the support surface, and a disengaged position, wherein the apparatus is not secured to the support surface. A locking cam is supported on the housing portion for movement between a locking position, wherein the hook is positively retained in the engaged position, and an unlocking position, wherein the hook is not positively retained in the engaged position. Lastly, an anti-chuck cam is supported on the housing portion and engages the hook when the hook is in the engaged position to minimize or prevent rattling thereof. A sensor, such as an electrical switch, generates a signal indicating whether the locking cam is in the locking position, wherein the hook is positively retained in the engaged position, or the unlocking position, wherein the hook is not positively retained in the engaged position. | 11-29-2012 |
20120299375 | ELECTRICALLY-COOLED POWER MODULE - In one embodiment, an apparatus for cooling an electrical component in a vehicle is provided. The apparatus comprises a power module including the electrical component for converting energy. The power module includes a first printed circuit board (PCB) including a first ceramic substrate for receiving the electrical component. The power module further includes a plurality of thermoelectric cells being coupled to the first PCB for discharging heat away from the electrical component. The power module further includes a second PCB including a second ceramic substrate being coupled to the plurality of thermoelectric cells, the first ceramic substrate and the second ceramic substrate for electrically isolating the electrical component from the first PCB and the second PCB and for providing thermal conductance from the electrical component through the plurality of thermoelectric cells. | 11-29-2012 |
20120299360 | VEHICLE SEAT TRIM PADDLE ATTACHMENT - Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to securing a trim cover to a vehicle seat cushion. In at least one embodiment, a seat cushion assembly comprises a foam cushion having an “A” surface, a “B” surface, and at least one slot extending therebetween, a trim cover extending over the foam cushion, and a trim cover attachment assembly secured to the trim cover for securing the trim cover adjacent the foam cushion. In at least one embodiment, the trim cover attachment assembly comprises a flexible sheet having a first end attached to the trim cover and a second end having a paddle that sits adjacent the “B” surface of the foam cushion, the fabric extending through the slot of the foam cushion. | 11-29-2012 |
20120299354 | RELEASE MECHANISM FOR A RECLINING SEAT ASSEMBLY - A seat assembly is provided that includes a seat bottom and a seat back supported for movement relative to the seat bottom. The seat assembly also includes a support member that extends from the seat back. A release mechanism is supported on the seat back for rotation about the support member, wherein rotation of the release mechanism is adapted to release the seat back for movement relative to the seat bottom. | 11-29-2012 |
20120292976 | Vehicle Seat with Protective Cloth Anchoring Flaps, and Method of Making the Same - A vehicle seat base is provided with a foam bun that includes a protective cloth that is molded into the foam bun and attached with the seat cover material to the seat frame. A suspension mat is attached to the protective cloth below the foam bun to add support. | 11-22-2012 |
20120282797 | ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTING TERMINAL - An electrically conducting terminal having capabilities to facilitate electrically connecting to one or more connectors is disclosed. The electrically conducting terminal may include a recessed end to receive a connector. The recessed end may include a resilient element, such as but not limited to a female contact, to facilitate electrical conductivity between the connector and the terminal. The electrically conducting terminal may include an end cap, end piece, or other feature to facilitate retaining the resilient element within the recessed end. | 11-08-2012 |
20120280548 | VEHICLE SEAT FOLD MECHANISM - A vehicle seat assembly has a seat base, a seat back pivotally connected to the seat base and being movable between an upright and a folded position, a spring member connected to the other of the seat base and the seat back, and a follower rotatably connected to the spring member. One of the seat base and the seat back define a cam surface. The spring member is compressed by the follower engaging the cam surface. The follower engages the cam surface when the seat back is in the folded position. | 11-08-2012 |
20120280547 | RETRACTING AND FOLDING VEHICLE HEAD RESTRAINT - A head restraint is supported by a vehicle seat assembly having a support structure including a guide. The head restraint is movable between a design position and a stowed position. The head restraint has a support member that is received in the guide, a head restraint body attached to the support member, and a locking mechanism. The support member moves with respect to the guide to translate the body with respect to the support structure. The body rotates with respect to the support member. The locking mechanism locks the body in the first or second position. | 11-08-2012 |
20120276782 | CHARGER RECEPTACLE - A charging receptacle having a barrel and a base configured to facilitate interconnecting electrical elements of a cordset with a vehicle charging system. The barrel may be configured to facilitate alignment of the electrical elements and the base may be configured to facilitate mounting the charger receptacle to a vehicle or other device having a system reliant on electrical energy provided through the cordset. | 11-01-2012 |
20120274116 | Trim Assembly - A trim assembly for a seat back of a vehicle seat is provided. The seat back has a seat frame and a seat cushion. The trim assembly includes a backboard securable to the seat frame and adapted to form a rear surface of the seat back. The backboard has a channel formed therein and a plurality of spaced apart retaining windows formed along a length of the channel. A trim cover is adapted to cover the seat cushion and form a front surface of the seat back. The trim cover has a cover material portion and a trim retainer connected to the cover material portion. The trim retainer includes an engagement feature. The trim retainer is insertable into the channel such that the engagement feature cooperates with the retaining windows for securing the trim cover to the backboard. | 11-01-2012 |
20120268665 | Vehicle with Flexible Display - A vehicle has self-contained, stand-alone flexible displays in a wide variety of locations and serving a wide variety or purposes, such as entertainment, safety warnings, operating instructions, maps, vehicle information, etc. The displays may be positioned on a vehicle interior component having a contoured surface profile, or may be movable from a generally concealed storage position to an extended position. The display may be rolled like a scroll in a storage position. The displays may show a single picture, multiple pictures on sequential frames, interactive videos, etc. and may include audio information, touch screen switches, etc. | 10-25-2012 |
20120268065 | PROXIMITY DETECTION CIRCUIT FOR ON-BOARD VEHICLE CHARGER - A proximity detection circuit is operable to detect connection of a cordset to a vehicle charging system or connection of another device to some other electrical circuit where it may be desirable to facilitate detection while a controller or other current drawing source is inactive. | 10-25-2012 |
20120261963 | Vehicle Seat with a Pivotably Connected Linking Member - This invention relates in general to a vehicle seat having a mounting frame assembly connected to the vehicle floor, a seat bottom frame mounted for movement relative to the mounting frame assembly, and a link member connecting the mounting frame assembly and the seat bottom frame. The link member has a first connection to the seat bottom frame at one end of the link member and a second connection to the mounting frame assembly at another end of the link member, and one of the connections allows pivotal movement. The pivotal connection includes a protruding member extending through and retained in an aperture. The protruding member is a part of the mounting frame assembly, the seat bottom frame or the link member. | 10-18-2012 |
20120256454 | VEHICLE SEAT HAVING ACTIVE HEAD RESTRAINT - A vehicle seat assembly having a seatback frame, an upper armature that is movable relative to the seatback frame and a head restraint mounted on the upper armature. A linkage assembly operatively interconnects the upper armature and an impact body such that movement of the impact body relative to the seatback frame acts on the linkage assembly to move the upper armature relative to the seatback frame to cause the head restraint to move toward the occupant. The linkage assembly includes a linkage and a coupler movably connected to the linkage. The coupler includes a first member movably connected to the seatback frame and a second member movably connected to the first member at a location below the upper end of the impact body. | 10-11-2012 |
20120249067 | APPARATUS FOR CORRECTING A DC BIAS FOR LEAKAGE CURRENT - An apparatus for correcting leakage current during a vehicle charging operation is provided. The apparatus comprises a balance circuit configured to receive a sensed current indicative of a vehicle leakage current in response to an external power source providing a charging current to a vehicle. The vehicle leakage current includes a first leakage component and a second leakage component. The balance circuit is further configured to generate a first voltage value that corresponds to a negative value of the first leakage component and to provide a second voltage value that generally corresponds to a positive value of the first leakage component. The balance circuit is further configured to apply the second voltage value to the first voltage value to substantially remove the first leakage component from the vehicle leakage current. | 10-04-2012 |
20120248748 | AIR BAG ASSEMBLY WITH AIR BAG GUIDE SECURED BY MULTIPLE FASTENERS - A vehicle seat may include a seat back having a frame, a trim cover disposed on the seat back that includes a deployment seam, and an air bag module having an inflator and an air bag. The air bag may be configured to be inflated by the inflator to sever and deploy through the deployment seam. The air bag module may include a mounting stud that extends through the frame, first and second mounting nuts threaded onto the mounting stud to secure the air bag module to the frame, and an air bag guide. The air bag guide may have a first end located adjacent to the deployment seam and a second end disposed opposite the first end. The second end may engage and be disposed between the first and second mounting nuts. | 10-04-2012 |
20120244877 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR WIRELESS DEVICE DETECTION - In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for determining a locating a wireless device with respect to a vehicle is provided. The apparatus comprises a controller for being operably coupled to a plurality of antennas in a vehicle and each antenna transmitting a first wireless signal to a wireless device to locate a primary antenna. The primary antenna being one of the plurality of antennas that transmitted the first wireless signal at a strongest signal strength. The controller being configured to store a first signal strength for a first control point that is positioned about the vehicle and away from the primary antenna. The controller being configured to determine the location of the wireless device based on a comparison of the first signal strength to the strongest signal strength. | 09-27-2012 |
20120242123 | SECURED FORCE CONCENTRATOR IN A VEHICULAR BOLSTER FOR AIRBAG RETENTION AND DEPLOYMENT - A vehicle seat assembly includes a frame for mounting the seat to a vehicle. The seat assembly also includes a seat pad located proximate the frame. A trim cover is disposed over the seat pad, and includes a seam adjacent a side of the seat pad. An airbag assembly, which includes an airbag and an inflator configured to supply gas to the airbag, is also part of the seat assembly. A force concentrator covers at least a portion of the seat pad for protecting the pad during deployment of the airbag. The force concentrator includes an inner panel attached to the airbag assembly and an outer panel attached to the frame. The panels form a deployment channel for the airbag, and thereby inhibit contact of the airbag with the seat pad as the airbag deploys. | 09-27-2012 |
20120235461 | STRUCTURE AND METHOD FOR PIVOTABLY SUPPORTING AN ARMREST ON A SEAT - A seat assembly includes a seat including a back and an armrest assembly. The armrest assembly includes a fastener supported on the back of the seat and that defines an axis. A fixed spacer is disposed about the fastener, and a spring bushing is disposed about the fixed spacer. An armrest includes a frame having a rotating bushing supported on the spring bushing. As a result, the frame and the armrest can pivot relative to the fastener and the back of the seat. The spring bushing applies a radial force against both the rotating bushing and the fixed spacer. | 09-20-2012 |
20120235460 | SEAT ASSEMBLY HAVING A MOVEABLE HEADREST ASSEMBLY - A seat assembly having a support post assembly and a moveable headrest assembly. The support post assembly has first and second posts and a cross member. The cross member extends from the first post to the second post. The headrest assembly includes a mounting unit that defines a post cavity that receives the first and second posts. The cross member extends through first and second slots in the mounting unit. | 09-20-2012 |
20120235459 | Automatic Head Restraint Adjustment System for a Vehicle Seat - A seat assembly having an automatically adjustable head restraint is provided. A seat back is mounted within a vehicle and a head restraint assembly is adjustably mounted to the vehicle and disposed adjacent the seat back. The seat back includes a sensor mounted adjacent an upper portion of the seat back for detecting the presence and position of a passenger relative to the head restraint. A controller is in communication with the sensor and receives the output signal of the sensor. The controller then generates a control signal in order to position the head restraint based on the output signals of the sensor. An actuator is connected to the head restraint for positioning the head restraint based on a control signal received from the control module. | 09-20-2012 |
20120235458 | Collapsible Bolster Cushion - A collapsible bolster cushion for a collapsible seat is provided. The collapsible bolster cushion includes a first support member that is attachable to a seat bottom or a seat back and a second support member. A separator element is disposed between the first and second support members. The separator element is movable between a first orientation and a second orientation such that in the first orientation, the separator element resiliently biases a portion of the second support member away from the first support member, and when the separator element is in the second orientation, the portion of the second support member is permitted to collapse toward the first support member to allow the seat to collapse to the folded position. An actuator moves the separator element between the first and second orientations. | 09-20-2012 |
20120235452 | SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A VEHICLE HEAD RESTRAINT - A vehicle seat assembly is provided with a support structure and a head restraint supported by the support structure and being movable relative to the support structure between a first position and a second position. An actuator is connected to the head restraint for moving the head restraint, and a controller is in communication with the actuator. A sensor array is supported by one of the support structure and the head restraint and in communication with the controller. The sensor array has a first region and a second region. The sensor array is configured to sense an input of the first region and second region being sequentially activated. The sensor array communicates the input to the controller, and the controller causing the actuator to move the head restraint. | 09-20-2012 |
20120231203 | NON-WOVEN FIBER SEATING PADDING - A deformable structure for automotive interior components includes a substrate and a cushion element. The cushion element is disposed over the substrate. The cushion element includes a fiber pad and a fibrous cushion section, each of which has cellulosic fibers. The deformable structure also includes a cover disposed over the cushion element. The cushion element is substantially free of any resinous foams. A vehicle seat and trim laminate incorporating the deformable structure is also provided. | 09-13-2012 |
20120223564 | Armrest Mounting Assembly and Misalignment Indicator - A mounting assembly for an armrest includes a pivot shaft that is fixed relative to one of an armrest and a seat and a brake shaft fixed relative to the pivot shaft. The mounting assembly also includes a resilient restraining member mounted relative to the other of an armrest and a seat. The resilient restraining member is movable between a restrain position in which the resilient restraining member restrains the pivot shaft in an installed position, and a release position in which the resilient restraining member does not restrain the pivot shaft in the installed position. The mounting assembly also includes a brake channel that engages the brake shaft when the pivot shaft is in the installed position. When the pivot shaft is in the installed position the armrest may be pivoted relative to the seat between a use position and a stowed position. | 09-06-2012 |
20120223563 | SEAT ASSEMBLY HAVING A CROSS MEMBER - A seat assembly having a seat back that includes a side frame member and a cross member. The cross member may have first and second support post openings for receiving a headrest support post. First and second sets of arcuate ribs may be disposed between the first and second support post openings. Members of the first set may be concave with respect to the first support post opening. Members of the second set may be concave with respect to the second support post opening. | 09-06-2012 |
20120223553 | Vehicle Seat Side Air Bag System - A side air bag restraint sub-assembly is disposed in a cavity in a vehicle seat. A reinforcement panel is secured to either the inflator bolts or the seat fame on one edge. The opposite edge of the reinforcement panel is sewn to a hem on one side of a tear seam. | 09-06-2012 |
20120217781 | MASTER/SLAVE EASY ENTRY RECLINER - A recliner apparatus for a vehicle seat has a pair of discontinuous recliner mechanisms attached to opposite sides of the seat for comfort adjustment in which the angle of the seat back is moved to a desired angular orientation. A master easy entry recliner mechanism is attached to an inner side of one of the side support members of the vehicle seat frame. A locking pawl is operatively connected to the side support member to selectively engage a stop in a locked position. The locking pawl is moved by a control cable between locked and unlocked positions. A slave easy entry connector is connected to the master easy entry recliner mechanism by a slave control cable. The slave easy entry connector releases one of the discontinuous recliner mechanisms when the master easy entry recliner is shifted to the easy entry position. | 08-30-2012 |
20120216376 | SEAT TRIM RETENTION CLIP - A retention clip for securing a trim cover. The retention clip may have first and second pads that may be spaced apart from each other and disposed on a first base axis. First and second arms may extend from the first pad. Third and fourth arms may extend from the second pad. A first and second extension arms may extend from the first arm to the third arm and from the second arm to the fourth arm, respectively. | 08-30-2012 |